The windowsill is the horizontal structure under the window’s frames that supports its entire weight.
It is the focal point of the kitchen since it draws natural light, and because it is typically in the center of the kitchen sink, that attracts further attention.
The structure also has a tiny space where you can place decorations or use them for functional purposes when using the kitchen.
So the question you may have is, what looks good on a windowsill?
Some of the best displays you can place on your windowsill are plants, decorative plates, teacups, photo frames, etc. As for functional purposes, you can put up a soap dispenser or cutting boards.
In this article, I will further discuss the best items that look great on your windowsill and somehow improve the kitchen style.
14 Best Items That Goes On a Kitchen Windowsill
The tiny space on your windowsill is the perfect opportunity to improve the kitchen’s interior design by adding decorations.
Or it gives you a more functional purpose by having everything you need within grasp in the kitchen sink.
1. Pot Plants
Pot plants are the most common decoration that homeowners place on their windowsills. They beautify the home and serve a purpose by improving the quality of air circulation in the kitchen.
In addition, just the sight of the small plants provides a form of relaxation and serenity.
And the most popular potted plants are succulents and tiny cactuses, typically in a single pot. They are affordable and very easy to maintain.
They are resilient and can survive very long because they only need small amounts of water daily and sufficient sunlight.
2. Planter Box
You can place the succulents and cactuses inside a planter box instead of a single pot. You can put one species of plant in the box. Or, you can mix these plants with other plants, like lavender.
As a result, it gives you a more beautiful arrangement of plants and flowers. Also, the planters box comes in various shapes and sizes, and you must ensure it fits on the windowsill.
3. Herb Garden
Aside from decorative plants, you can add more purpose to your windowsill by using herb plants that provide medicinal benefits and garnish to food.
Some of the best examples of herbs you can display on your windowsill are thyme, rosemary, mint, oregano, bay leaf, coriander, dill, and basil.
4. Grow Vegetables
You can upsize the purpose of decorative plants on your windowsill by planting and growing vegetables.
And yes, there are types of vegetables that have enough size to fit in the small space of the windowsill.
Some vegetables you can grow inside your home are carrots, beets, basil, bok choy, celery, lettuce, green onions, etc.
5. Flowers – In Vase or Dried
Instead of succulents or vegetables, you can put flowers on your windowsill that further enhance the kitchen style.
Flowers also on a vase emits aromatic odors aside from improving circulation.
You can also use dried flowers instead of fresh flowers if you don’t have the convenience of buying or picking them up daily.
Although it is not as aromatic as fresh flowers, it does the job when beautifying your kitchen.
6. Pretty Teacups
If you have stylish or expensive teacups in your home, one of the best ways to show them off to your visitors is by putting them on your windowsill.
The area is the kitchen’s focal point that will draw your visitors’ attention to your pretty teacups.
7. Favorite Ceramics, e.g., Porcelain Collection
The glossy finish of ceramics is the perfect display for a modern and elegant kitchen.
And this is because the characteristics of porcelain or ceramic materials can blend perfectly with any interior design, furniture, and colors of the walls or the ceiling.
8. Decorations
You can also put figurines, curtains, or other decorations that suit the style and color of the kitchen.
Of course, the temptation to display anything you like emits your personality and specific advocacies.
However, if you are conscious about your kitchen not looking awkward when visitors are home, you must also be careful with the decorations since the windowsill is a strong focal point.
9. Soap Dispenser
Putting a soap dispenser on the windowsill serves a practical purpose every time you visit the kitchen sink.
The good news, however, is that functionality and aesthetics are something you can combine with a little creativity at play.
For example, if you want to decorate your kitchen without compromising function, you can buy a decorative soap dispenser made of ceramic.
So instead of buying those in plastic bottles, you can purchase refillable bags.
10. Candles
Candles are also the perfect decoration, especially at night, because they provide a light source or anytime you need peace and relaxation while tending to house chores when the candles are lit.
For this purpose, the recommendation is to use scented candles because it lightens up the mood, and the aromatic odor of the essential oils induces calmness and relaxation.
11. Fruit Box
The typical placement of the fruit basket is in the center of the dining room or kitchen counter. However, they also work well as a focal point on the windowsill.
A fruit box can be a decorative centerpiece, especially if it fits the season.
For example, you can display chestnuts, grapefruit, lemons, tangerines, and kale for winter. On the summer day, you can display blueberries, blackberries, nectarines, plumes, and peaches.
You can display apples, cranberries, figs, grapes, and pears in autumn. During spring, you can display apricots, pineapples, avocados, mango, and rhubarb.
12. Framed Family Photos
You can never go wrong with framed family photos prominently displayed on your windowsill.
And the great thing with pictures is that they blend well with any interior design, no matter the color of the walls, ceiling, or even the furniture.
You can also choose any frame you like, and you will find that they still fit any style.
13. Store Cookbooks
Cookbooks are not ideal, but it is a great way to flex your love for cooking. However, you may not want to store the cookbooks when the kitchen windowsill is just above the kitchen sink.
It is unappealing and could destroy the cookbooks due to constant exposure to water.
Thus, if the kitchen sink and kitchen windowsill are, you can store the books on them and enjoy the benefit of prominently displaying them to your visitors.
14. Cutting Boards
Putting your chopping or cutting boards on the windowsill provides convenience when preparing meals for your family.
The good news is that chopping or cutting boards works perfectly fine for aesthetic purposes, especially if it’s wood.
Plastic chopping boards are cheap, but it won’t hurt your budget if you buy wooden cutting boards instead.
Although more expensive, they are more durable and long-lasting than plastic, aside from the board’s beautiful woodgrain finish.
What Not To Put On a Window Sill?
Now that we already know some items that look good on a kitchen window sill, you also have to remember some inappropriate items.
Some of the things that you can’t put on the window sill are as follows:
- Mirrors – direct sunlight through the mirrors or any highly reflective surfaces could cause high reflection that could temporarily blind people passing by its rays.
- Chemicals – displaying chemicals on the windowsill is not pretty. And so as the potential it could cause if they accidentally trip over the floor.
- Electronics and Gadgets – an accident could cause irreparable damage to the electronics and gadgets if they accidentally fall flat on the ground. So yes, never even attempt to place your precious electronics on the windowsills because a strong gust of wind could cause them to trip.
- Hygiene Products – you should never store bottled liquid body soaps and shampoos on the windowsill because accidents or sudden wind gusts could trip them and fall.
- Aerosol and Other Flammables – direct sunlight could cause the aerosol and other flammable products to combust and explode.
- Cosmetic Products and Perfumes – direct exposure to the sun could melt the cosmetics product and spoil the scent of the perfume.
- Medicines – direct exposure to the sun could lead to the spoilage of your medicine and render them ineffective.
Should Curtains Sit On the Window Sill?
Putting a curtain on the window sill requires a curtain rod that you mount on the window frames. Of course, the curtain’s length and width rely on the window’s measurement and whether it is over a kitchen sink.
However, experts say that 10 inches in length is generally sufficient for most window sills. Most homeowners believe that 3 to 4 inches is enough, but adding a few allowances could boost the style of the window sill.
How Do I Keep My Window Sills From Rotting?
The best way to keep the window sills from rotting is by applying three levels of primers to the window frames.
You must also note that you must allow each primer to dry before applying the next one.
Letting them cure and dry first ensures the resistance and reliability of the primers against the elements such as water and exposure to sunlight.
Primers have a special ability that fills the gaps or holes in the frames of the window sill.
As a result, it strongly binds the fissures together, which keeps the bacteria and fungi from eating the wood.
Why Does Mold Grow On Window Sills?
Firstly, wood is an organic material. Molds and fungi develop in the window sill when constantly exposed to water and a humid environment.
However, you can keep the molds away only if you can properly seal the gaps between the glass and window frames or fix issues with the ventilation.